Graduating for the third time at the Durban University of Technology was Nontuthuko Ngubane , a Public Relation Officer at the Harry Gwala District Municipality. She obtained her Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences in Business Administration at the DUT 2024 Autumn Graduation ceremony, which was held at the Olive Convention Centre on Monday, 27 May 2024.

The 34-year-old Ngubane is originally from Njengabantu, outside of Greytown. She graduated under the DUT Business School where she took home her postgraduate diploma.

She first joined DUT I 2009 when she enrolled for her Diploma in Journalism. In 2013, she furthered her studies and enrolled for her BTech in Journalism, which she obtained in 2014. Her third qualification came exactly 10 years later after obtaining her BTech degree.

The Harry Gwala District Municipality’s Public Relations Officer was ecstatic after her name was called out in the podium and she was awarded her postgraduate diploma by the DUT Chancellor, Ms Nonkululeko Nyembezi.

Her main duty at work was to ensure smooth communication between the Harry Gwala District Municipality and the public at large within their district.

Giving insight behind her motivation to further her studies, Ngubane said: “Having a career change from being a journalist to a government communication officer inspired me to seek for more information and to further my studies. I had worked as a journalist for over 10 years for Isolezwe newspaper under Independent Newspapers.

Prior to joining Isolezwe, I worked at a community radio station, Vibe FM. I needed to gain more knowledge that would assist me to reach the next level at work,” said Ngubane.

She has expressed her gratitude to her family, friends and colleagues for their support and understanding when she was away most of the time studying. She indicated that their support carried her through when her mind and body could not.

Pictured: Nontuthuko Ngubane during her graduation.

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.

Simangele Zuma